Peter

October 18 

John 13:21-26, 33, 36-38

“I will die for You!”

After Jesus had washed the disciples’ feet, He told them that one of them was planning to betray Him (hand Him over to His enemies). The disciples stared at each other puzzled and confused. What did Jesus mean? Who would do such a thing?

John, who was next to Jesus, asked, “Lord, who is it?”

Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I give this piece of bread after I have dipped it in the sauce.”

Then Jesus took a piece of bread, dipped it in the sauce and gave it to Judas. Immediately, Judas got up and left, and he headed into the darkness. Jesus turned to the others and said, “Where I am going you cannot follow Me.”

Peter asked, “Where are You going, Lord?”

“You cannot follow Me now, but you will follow Me later on,” Jesus replied.

“Lord, why can’t I follow You now?” Peter asked. “I am ready to die for You!”

Jesus replied, “Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, three times you will say that you don’t know Me.”

What is the test of real love?

Both Judas and Peter had been chosen by Jesus. Both had followed Jesus as He travelled from town to town. They had seen many miracles and faced many hardships. Now, both disciples faced an important test: a test of their love and loyalty.

Judas was planning to throw away everything he’d been through; turn his back on his only friends, and betray Jesus—all, for a handful of silver.

Peter was willing to die, if that’s what it would cost to stay close to His Lord. He had failed often, but he loved Jesus! He had followed Jesus everywhere and was set on being faithful to the end. Although Jesus knew that Peter would fail this test, He also knew that, one day, Peter would prove the full extent of his love.

Verse for today

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13